Monkeypox is a rare disease which comes from the monkeypox virus.
It occurs primarily in remote parts of central and west Africa, near tropical rainforests, but has recently spread to the UK.
The first case of the disease in England was confirmed earlier this month, in a patient staying at a naval base in Cornwall.
A second case was confirmed shortly after. It is believed the second victim contracted the disease in Nigeria before travelling to the UK.
A third case was then confirmed on Wednesday, September 26; the patient had been caring for the second victim in Blackpool.
How does a person catch monkeypox?
Monkeypox is similar to smallpox and is transmitted via direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or lesions of infected animals.
It can also be passed on through human-to-human contact, in a manner similar to (but not quite as potently) as the flu.
The disease can be passed on via sneezing, contaminated objects or surfaces and contact with skin lesions.
Monkeypox symptoms
Symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, with a characteristic widespread rash.
The infection has an incubation period of roughly five to 21 days, and initial symptoms present similarly to the flu.
A fever and intense headache start off the infection, after which lymph nodes swell, in a condition named lymphadenopathy.
After this, people will start to feel weak and tired before they begin to break out in a rash.
The rash starts to appear from one to three days into infection, initially as flat skin lesions called maculopapules.
These then develop into a raised rash before growing outwards as pustules, which are large pus-filled lumps.
This can begin on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, such as the palms of hands and soles of the feet.
Around ten days later, the pustules begin to crust. They may take three weeks to disappear.
Can monkeypox kill you?
Although monkeypox is much milder than smallpox, it can be fatal, according to the World Health Organization.
Monkeypox has a fatality rate of between one and 10 per cent, with most deaths occurring in younger age groups.
“The case fatality has varied widely between epidemics but has been less than ten per cent in documented events, mostly among young children. In general, younger age-groups appear to be more susceptible to monkeypox disease,” said WHO.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available, although the prior smallpox vaccination was “highly effective” in preventing monkeypox as well, according to WHO.
